Flying Southwest Airlines has long been a favorite for travelers, largely thanks to its famously generous baggage policy.
While other airlines add fees for nearly every suitcase, Southwest stands out. But what exactly are the rules?
Southwest Baggage Policy at a Glance
Here’s a quick summary of what you can bring on your next Southwest flight.
| Baggage Type | Allowance | Size Limit (L+W+H) | Weight Limit | Standard Fee |
| Personal Item | 1 per passenger | Must fit under the seat | N/A | Free |
| Carry-On Bag | 1 per passenger | 24″ x 16″ x 10″ | N/A | Free |
| Checked Bags | 2 per passenger | 62 inches | 50 lbs | Free |
| 3rd+ Checked Bag | As needed | 62 inches | 50 lbs | $125 per bag |
| Overweight Bag | N/A | 62 inches | 51-100 lbs | $100-$125 per bag |
| Oversize Bag | N/A | 63-80 inches | 50 lbs | $125 per bag |
Note: Fees and policies are subject to change. Always check the official Southwest Airlines website for the most current information before your flight.
What You Can Bring for Free on Southwest
One of the biggest perks of flying Southwest is the generous free baggage allowance. Every passenger can bring multiple bags without paying extra.
Carry-On and Personal Item
Every ticketed passenger is allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item for free.
Your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. This typically includes items like a purse, a small backpack, a briefcase, or a laptop bag.
Your carry-on bag must fit in the overhead bin and not exceed 24 x 16 x 10 inches. While Southwest doesn’t officially list a weight limit for carry-on bags, you must be able to lift it into the overhead bin yourself.
If your carry-on doesn’t fit or if space is limited, you may be asked to check it at the gate. Don’t worry, it will still be free of charge.
Two Free Checked Bags
This is where Southwest truly shines. Every passenger can check two bags for free, as long as they meet the size and weight limits:
- Weight Limit: 50 pounds (23 kg) per bag.
- Size Limit: 62 inches (158 cm) in total dimensions (length + width + height).
This “Bags Fly Free” policy is a cornerstone of the airline’s brand and saves travelers a significant amount of money compared to other major carriers.
Additional & Special Baggage Fees Explained
What happens if your packing goes beyond the standard allowance? Here’s a breakdown of the fees for extra, overweight, and oversized luggage.
Extra Checked Bags
If you need to check more than two bags, you’ll have to pay. The fee for a third checked bag (and any subsequent bags) is $125 per item, each way.
Overweight Baggage Fees
If your bag weighs more than 50 pounds, it will incur an overweight fee.
- 51–70 lbs (23-32 kg): $100 per bag, each way.
- 71–100 lbs (32-45 kg): $125 per bag, each way.
Bags weighing over 100 pounds are not accepted as checked luggage and must be shipped as cargo.
Oversized Baggage Fees
If your bag’s total dimensions exceed 62 inches, it’s considered oversized. The fee for oversized baggage is $125 per bag, each way. Bags larger than 80 inches in total dimensions will not be accepted.
Important: Overweight and oversize fees are charged in addition to any extra bag fees. For example, a third checked bag that is also overweight would incur both the $125 extra bag fee and the relevant overweight fee.
Policy Exceptions and Special Considerations
Certain passengers and items have slightly different rules.
Military Passengers
Active-duty military personnel traveling on orders are exempt from the two-piece baggage limit and will not be subject to excess, oversize, or overweight baggage charges, provided that no item exceeds 100 pounds or 80 inches.
Traveling with Infants
Families traveling with small children can check a car seat and a stroller for free, and these items do not count toward the two-bag limit.
You can also bring a breast pump and a small cooler of breast milk on board in addition to your standard carry-on allowance.
Sporting and Musical Equipment
Southwest allows a variety of sporting equipment and musical instruments as checked baggage. In many cases, these items can count as one of your two free checked bags.
- Skis, golf bags, and fishing rods can often be substituted for one checked bag.
- Bicycles are accepted for a fee of $75 each way and are subject to size and weight restrictions.
- Surfboards can be checked, but oversized fees may apply depending on the route (fees are waived on flights between Hawaiian islands).
Always pack these items in a suitable hard-sided case to prevent damage.
Tips to Maximize Your Allowance and Avoid Fees
Weigh Your Bags at Home
Invest in a simple luggage scale to avoid surprises at the airport. If a bag is just over 50 pounds, shift heavy items like shoes or books to a lighter bag.
Use Both Free Checked Bags
Even if you think you can fit everything into one suitcase, consider using two. This helps you distribute weight and avoid overweight fees.
Combine Allowances
If you’re traveling with family or friends on the same reservation, you can pool your allowances. If one person has an extra bag, another with only one bag can check it for them.
Wear Your Heaviest Items
Wear your bulky jacket, sweater, and heavy boots on the plane instead of packing them. This saves considerable weight and space in your luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I forget to pay for an extra bag online?
Southwest does not allow you to prepay for baggage. All baggage fees must be paid at the airport ticket counter or curbside check-in.
Can my camera bag count as a personal item?
Yes, as long as it’s small enough to fit under the seat in front of you, a camera bag can be considered your personal item.
Does Southwest have a weight limit for carry-on bags?
Officially, no. However, you must be able to lift your carry-on bag into the overhead bin without assistance. If it’s too heavy for you to lift, it’s likely too heavy to be a carry-on.
Are there different baggage rules for international flights?
No, Southwest’s generous “Bags Fly Free” policy applies to all destinations it serves, both domestic and international.
What if my luggage gets lost or damaged?
If you can’t find your bag at the carousel, report it immediately to the Southwest Airlines Baggage Service Office at the airport. You’ll need to fill out a claim form.
Fly Smarter with Southwest
Southwest’s baggage policy remains one of the most customer-friendly in the industry.
By understanding the rules for carry-on and checked luggage, you can pack efficiently and take full advantage of the “Bags Fly Free” perk on your next trip.
Before you fly, it’s always a good idea to visit the official Southwest Airlines baggage policy page for the latest updates.
Grace Turner is a travel researcher with 5+ years of experience analyzing airline rules and global travel regulations. She specializes in simplifying complex airline policies to help travelers avoid extra fees and fly with confidence. Her work focuses on accuracy, clarity, and up to date information across international carriers.
